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Melissa Orquiza

Green Eggs, Chickpeas, Olives & Potatoes, The Awesome Jar & Max Richter's, "Flowers of Herself"


Green Eggs, Chickpeas, Olives & Potatoes. Perfect for an easy weekend brunch, or dare a say, a weekday work brunch to break up the monotony of the week.


Green Eggs, Chickpea and Potatoes Slideshow.


Green Eggs, Chickpeas, Olives & Potatoes, The Awesome Jar & Max Richter's, "Flowers of Herself"

Originally Published Aug 17, 2021


When I was growing up, one of my favorite things to do when we went to a grocery store or drugstore, was to run up to the toy or gum ball machines, after paying for our purchases. I’d stare at the tiny plastic canisters, trying to decipher the hidden toy, or dream of how the vividly colored gum balls would taste. I’d always ask my mom for some change to get a toy, but she rarely conceded. (She is Ilocano.)


My father, on the other hand, had no problems giving us change. All three of us would take our turn, deciding whether or not to get a toy or a gum ball. After a few disappointing, stale, sickly sweet, chalky tasting gum balls, I learned my lesson and opted for the toys- usually a variation thereof of a choking or foot hazard. Bewildered that both the toy and the candy left me sorely disappointed (and disillusioned), I realized early on that in order to continue the illusion of happiness for my younger sister and brother, I’d have to fake it. Over time, I no longer needed to humor them, because ultimately, the illusionary expectation of something fantastic in those machines was enough to make them happy. I learned it early: the duplicitous allure of facade versus substance and yet, it still rings true into adulthood.


Can curbing expectations and collecting all your happy memories or experiences in an “awesome jar” be a safeguard for happiness? Please take a look.


The Awesome Jar or the Jar or Awesomeness.

A Psychologist-Approved Trick For Actually Sticking To Your Habits & Goals


Illusionary experiences aside, here’s to enjoying your motivation and remaining focused. Ironically, I picked a piece that's was originally composed for the Virginia Woolf-inspired ballet, "Woolf Works", Wayne McGregor's ballet triptych for The Royal Ballet in 2015. It was heard earlier this year at Fendi's spring/summer 2021 fashion show with Kate Moss, Demi Moore, Naomi Campbell and Cara Delevingne among others.


Max Richter’s, “Flowers of Herself” is a study in illusionary minimalism but upon closer listening, the complexity of meter, counterpoint, and rhythm defies the simplicity or tonal redaction, much like the city it is inspired by, London. It is a vibrant performance as minimalism, is oftentimes, a study of repetition and rhythmic precision and again, fiercely covert in this piece. I’m basically saying, “Even though it sounds simple, it’s not” (like the process of film music or a pop song!) Enjoy!


If you have a moment, please take a look (or listen on the Spotify playlist). Classical music, like human beings, lives, and breathes and is a dynamic art form. It is not stagnant and not only of, Beethoven and Mozart. Just as we all love to look at IG friendly interiors, think of contemporary classical music as a counterpart to architecture and people. It lives, breathes, transforms, creates, elicits emotion, enriches, and can create beauty in your life. It does not stay stagnant or it will die… like fashion, photography, food, film, architecture, science, and any art form that makes us happy.



Here is a glowing review for Max Richter, from NPR.


Max Richter, ''Flowers Of Herself''- NPR


Thanks for reading! I hope this makes you laugh, think, and approach the world in a different way. Here’s to listening to new music while simultaneously creating something extraordinarily beautiful in your life Have a wonderful week! Xo, Melissa






Green Eggs, Chickpeas, Olives & Potatoes. Our version of "Green Eggs & Ham,'' without the ham.


Green Eggs, Chickpeas, Olives & Potatoes

adapted from the recipe “ Green Eggs and Ham” by Molly Gilbert, from “Sheet Pan Suppers: 120 Recipes for Simple, Surprising, Hands- Off Meals Straight from the Oven”

Serves 4-6


Ingredients

Olive Oil Cooking Spray

4 to 5 cups chopped kale

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

kosher salt

6 large eggs (the original recipe called for 8 to 12 large eggs)

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 2 ounces)

1 handful of potatoes (We used 2 small Yukon gold potatoes cut into small pieces. I added this).

1 drained can of chickpeas (The original recipe did not call for this.)

1 drained can of black olives (I added this for richness and because my daughter is an olive fiend).

Freshly ground black pepper

Crusty bread, for serving (I didn’t do this. We just ate it straight.)


Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees with a rack in the center position. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and mist the foil with cooking spray.

  2. Spread out the chickpeas on the prepared pan and bake, using a spatula to mix and turn the chickpeas occasionally, until lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes.

  3. Place the kale on the sheet pan, drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and toss to coat. Spread out the kale in an even layer. Add the potatoes and the olives. Bake for 10 minutes.

  4. Removed the pan from the oven but leave the oven on. Use a wooden spoon to make eight to twelve evenly spaced divots in the kale to accommodate the eggs. Crack an egg into each divot. Sprinkle the feta and add some salt and pepper on top.

  5. Return the pan to the oven. Bake the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, 10 to 15 minutes. Enjoy

* Variation: Green Eggs, Chorizo, & Potatoes: 1 chorizo sausage link (The original recipe called for one 7 ounces, boneless ham steak cut into 1/2 inch cubes). Throw it in at the beginning instead of the chickpeas.


#greeneggschickpeasolives&potatoes, @mollygilbert, #sheetpancooking, #awesomejar @maxrichter, #flowersofherself, #greeneggschickpeaschorizo&potatoes, @mollygilbert

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